Rogers agreed earlier this year to join the NRL's new franchise, the Gold Coast Titans, in time for the 2008 season, after he had completed the final year of his rugby deal, which includes the 2007 World Cup.

But with the Titans ready to swoop for Rogers' services for next year as speculation mounted that he wanted to return to league, the veteran of 45 Tests with the Wallabies met with ARU and NSWRU officials on Thursday, with his desire to be released granted.

"First and foremost, this isn't a rugby versus league decision; it's about my family, my life, my future," Rogers said in a statement.

"I have important personal reasons for requesting a release from the Waratahs and Wallabies and although most of my life has been played out in the media I do ask for the next period of time that you respect my family's privacy."

"Playing for NSW and Australia was always a dream of mine. And to have achieved that made me immensely proud. Wearing the Wallaby jersey 45 times is something that I'll cherish always."

"Make no mistake, this is a sad day for me. I'm walking away from a lot of friends that I've made over the past five years but they certainly won't be forgotten. Rugby has given me some of the best times of my life but now I need to take a new direction."

Rogers added that he is no longer committed enough to the Wallabies or Waratahs jersey to have remained in the game next year.

"Many will speculate about those reasons and I can't control that, but know that I value the jersey too much to play in it and not be 100 per cent committed," he said.

"It would serve as an injustice to my team-mates, coaching staff and more importantly the people who themselves have dreamt of playing at this level and never had the chance."

Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie and ARU managing director Gary Flowers both paid tribute to Rogers for what he has done for the game in Australia since he switched codes in 2002.

"Mat has played 45 Tests for the Wallabies, which is a fine achievement and no one can take that away from him," Flowers said. "Mat has endured a tough 12 months and we extend our sympathy to him and his family and wish them all the best for the future."

"A player's well being and family must always come before football, full stop," McKenzie said. "Mat Rogers is a player involved in unique circumstances and we are comfortable that no precedent has been set."

"I've been in the game a long time and I've never come across a situation like Mat's. He has had a tough run and we have always been sympathetic to his plight. Like Mat said, we are parting on good terms and we wish him and his family the best in his future."

Rogers has endured a difficult period off the field after his father Steve, a former rugby league star and more recently a Cronulla Sharks official, took his own life earlier this year, while a brother also recently attempted suicide.

Sportal